Ben Gordon’s 45 Points, 9 Threes Not Enough for Pistons to Win

Ben Gordon stepped into a time machine last night, and reminded everyone that he’s still alive. Gordon’s NBA record-tying 9 for 9 performance from three-point land, resulting in 45 points, still weren’t good enough for the Detroit Pistons to avoid losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Denver Nuggets. From the Detroit News: “Sometimes you have to experience a little bit of hell to get to heaven,’ said Pistons coach Lawrence Frank. The Pistons led by three with 11 seconds left and the plan was to make it a free-throw contest, but the Pistons botched that strategy by fouling Afflalo and letting him score in the process. ‘We were going to foul, and we had our opportunity because the back was to us,’ Frank said. JaVale McGee’s dunk completed the improbable four-point play. ‘Two bad possessions at the end, up three, should’ve let him get the two,’ said Gordon, admitting his mistake. ‘The tip by McGee was so fast and he got up there. We had great chances, fought back really hard, and I’m proud of the guys for that, but we have to find a way to win.’ [...] ‘It’s unfortunate that a performance like that as a whole … it’s a tough pill to swallow,’ Gordon said.”